Last week I tested tow wads in my T/C Renegade SB with a tight fitting .550" RB (home cast) and was impressed with how well they did @ 25 yd. Today I tested tow wads in my Green River Forge 20ga. trade gun with a tight fitting RB (.618", Tanner mould), but @ 50 yd. Given my past experience with tow wads and RB's in that gun at that distance, I wondered whether I'd hit the target at all. As you can see from the attached targets, there wasn't much need for concern (LOL), but there were a few flyers. To wit, shots #4 & 10 were due to a dirty bore and an aiming error on my part. Shot #9 I can't explain. Also the 2 fouler used a different RB and the 2 shots off the paper bag target backer were pre-existing.
Now for the particulars: I used a bore diameter .618" RB with tow wads large enough to require some effort to seat. The powder charge was 85gr. Goex FFFg, which wasn't nearly as dirty as claimed. I also swabbed the bore with a damp patch followed by a dry one after every 2nd shot and set the rifle on a proper bench rest and rear bag. Not counting the foulers, I took 12 shots. Were I to repeat this test, I'd swab after each shot so as to minimize the odds of getting shots like #4 and #10. Incidentally, this is the best accuracy I've ever achieved in that particular gun @ 50 yd. Also, in my guns at least, I find a bore diameter RB, tight tow wads, and frequent bore swabbing really make a difference.
Now for the particulars: I used a bore diameter .618" RB with tow wads large enough to require some effort to seat. The powder charge was 85gr. Goex FFFg, which wasn't nearly as dirty as claimed. I also swabbed the bore with a damp patch followed by a dry one after every 2nd shot and set the rifle on a proper bench rest and rear bag. Not counting the foulers, I took 12 shots. Were I to repeat this test, I'd swab after each shot so as to minimize the odds of getting shots like #4 and #10. Incidentally, this is the best accuracy I've ever achieved in that particular gun @ 50 yd. Also, in my guns at least, I find a bore diameter RB, tight tow wads, and frequent bore swabbing really make a difference.
